From the Left

The left supports Pelosi’s bid for speaker, touting her legislative accomplishments and progressive bona fides.

From the Right

The right is generally critical of Pelosi, highlighting her unpopularity and lengthy tenure.

“As Democrats in the House begin the discussion of who should lead them, it is crucial they focus on the fundamental roles of Speaker of the House – to pass legislation and steer the ship through experienced oversight...

“Without Nancy Pelosi’s toughness, focus and legislative skill, there would probably be no Affordable Care Act. Her speakership during the Obama presidency left a legacy of achievement in other areas as well, including a far-reaching reform of Wall Street regulation and a massive economic stimulus that helped save a collapsing economy. [Furthermore] It would be hard to find a more effective fundraiser for Democrats, and she just led her party to its largest House gains since 1974...

Many point out that “these talking points about ‘fresh blood’ and accusations that Pelosi is a ‘centrist’ seem to have convinced a number of progressive voters that ousting Pelosi and replacing her with someone new is about pulling the party to the left... [Except] not only has Pelosi consistently been in the top third of most liberal Democrats in the House... but the much-ballyhooed insurgency against her among House Democrats almost exclusively consists people who are to Pelosi's right...

“[Moreover] the person from that group who's being floated as a potential replacement for Pelosi, Rep. Marcia Fudge of Ohio, is openly hostile to LGBTQ rights... Ousting [Pelosi would] be a blow to ordinary women and LGBTQ people whose concerns will lose priority status if the anti-Pelosi wing prevails.”

Slate

Some, however, say, “Go ahead, Democrats. Fight over Nancy Pelosi. Just get it out of your systems now, please... Members old and new need to air their grievances, hash out their differences and set a course for how the team can better function over the next two sure-to-be-bonkers years... Better to have as many of these fights as possible before the new Congress convenes in January. At that point, the caucus will need to get focused and pull together for the real fights to come."

New York Times

From the Right

The right is generally critical of Pelosi, highlighting her unpopularity and lengthy tenure.

“Pelosi may seem the right choice for Democrats given the dues she’s paid since losing the Speakership in 2010 – even the sentimental journey of returning the Democrats to power. But it makes zero sense for a party trying to brand itself as an agent of change and a better approach to government. Think of House Republicans [winning] control in 2022 and trusting their fate in... John Boehner (talk about ‘tanned, ready and rested’).”

Forbes

Many note that “Mrs. Pelosi will have to work to secure the speakership. She’s less popular than President Trump; a Nov. 6 Economist/YouGov poll found 35% view her favorably and 55% unfavorably. An Oct. 28 Harvard-Harris poll had her even worse, at 28% to 54%. In an Oct. 28 Gallup poll, Democrats alone agreed by 56% to 39% that someone else should be elected speaker."

“And who cares if she’s an effective legislator? She’s facing a Republican Senate and a Republican president. Nothing she passes is getting signed into law over the next two years. Democrats are better off booting her, installing a younger team, and letting them use these next two years as low-stakes on-the-job training in the hope/expectation that they’ll have total control of government after 2020.”

Hot Air

Minority Views: ‍

“Given that Democrats lack the Senate or White House, the goal of any speaker over the next year will be to remain focused on passing legislation that's supported by the party's base, broadly popular, yet blocked by Republicans... Any speaker will have to have the ability to maintain party discipline... It just so happens there is one Democrat who has demonstrated the skills and experience to do precisely this: Nancy Pelosi."

Washington Examiner

“It's possible that losing the House could be the best thing that ever happened to President Trump. His poll numbers are low... If anyone ever needed a foil, it's President Trump... the most compelling case for Pelosi to return as Speaker may be her reputation as someone who has been there before. As Speaker, Pelosi has already tangled with a president of the opposite party. She knows how to take a deliberate approach to investigations and oversight.”

Fox News

President Trump tweeted, “I can get Nancy Pelosi as many votes as she wants in order for her to be Speaker of the House. She deserves this victory, she has earned it - but there are those in her party who are trying to take it away. She will win!”